Hosting educational events, providing support to pride centres and mentoring young women and girls, in all their diversity, Black-led organizations, networks, and projects in the Equal Futures Network offer a variety of services and resources. We highlight some of them below:
Based in Prince Edward Island (PEI), BIPOC USHR works to provide support and advocacy to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities. Through grocery gift cards, nutritious food items such as fruits and vegetables, and/or pre-cooked meal plans, BIPOC USHR is running a food security program for BIPOC community members experiencing food insecurity. Learn more about the program, including information for vendors, as well as additional BIPOC USHR services, by visiting this page.
National in its scope, The Enchanté Network connects and supports over 160 pride centres and 2SLGBTQ+ service providers across Canada. Through its networking program, Shared Connections, member organizations are able to network, share advice, and ask their peers for support related to running a 2SLGBTQI+ community organization. Find membership information on this page.
Colour of Poverty – Colour of Change
An Ontario-wide network, Colour of Poverty – Colour of Change (COP-COC) works to build concrete strategies, tools, initiatives and community-based capacity through which individuals, groups and organizations (especially those reflective of the affected racialized communities – both Indigenous Peoples and peoples of colour) can begin to develop coherent shared action plans.
As part of a broad range of resources relevant to racial justice, COP-COC’s resource hub features several racialized poverty fact sheets on topics ranging from health and child welfare to food and water security.
Based out of Toronto, EmpowHERto is dedicated to helping young women and girls, in all of their diversity, reach their full potential as leaders by providing them with the tools they need to succeed and influence positive systemic change. Through the AdviseHER program, girls are able to find mentors and opportunities to assist them with their future goals. To get involved with EmpowHERto, visit this page.
Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network
A grassroots organization, the Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network is led by Women of Colour advocating for more Women of Colour in Board of Director positions and C-suite & leadership roles with the ability to influence decision making. Follow them on social media to stay connected to their programs and events.
For more than three decades, Roots Community Services Inc. (RootsCS) has provided culturally-sensitive and culturally-enriching programs to the Black and Caribbean communities in the Region of Peel. One of these is a Fresh Start for Women program, committed to supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. RootsCS also offers free tax preparation services during the tax filing period (March and April).
National in scope, Odihi, which means the “essence of greatness”, is a Black-led non-for-profit dedicated to educating, equipping and empowering BIPOC girls and women through coaching, workshops, and mentorship. Through the Changing the Colour of the Boardroom initiative, Odihi aims to address the lack of colour in boardrooms by enhancing the skill-set of participants through rigorous leadership and board governance training, seminars, events, and mentorships programs. To view upcoming events hosted by Odihi, visit this page.
This is a living list that we will continue to update over time. Know of an organization to add? Contact us at EFN-RAE@CanWaCH.ca.
The Equal Futures Network acknowledges that Indigenous people are the traditional guardians of Turtle Island, on the land also known as Canada